Seventh Biennial Report of the State Library Commission for the State of Delaware 1915-1916

SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT OF The State Library Commission FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE 1915==1916
SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT OF The State Library Commission FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE 1915==1916
THE STATE SENTINEL
STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION MEMBERS.
MRS. JAMES W. ANTHONY, SMYRNA.
A. L. BAILEY, WILMINGTON.
HENRY P. CANNON, BRIDGEVILLE.
DANIEL W. CORBIT, ODESSA.
MISS ANNA B. HAYES, DOVER.
MRS. CHARLES R. MILLER, Red Oak Road, WILMINGTON.
MISS MARGARET ORR, LEWES.
MRS. CHARLES PRETTYMAN, MILFORD.
MRS. HENRY RIDGELY, DOVER.
OFFICERS.
DANIEL W. CORBIT, President.
T. W. WILSON, Secretary.
MISS IDA V. CULBRETH, Librarian.
All correspondence relating to the work of the Commission should be addressed to The State Library Commission, Dover, Delaware.
DELAWARE STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT 1915-1916
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware, in General Assembly met: The State Library Commission begs leave to submit the fol­lowing biennial report: During the past two years the work of the Commission has been substantially aided by the additional annual income granted us by the last Legislature. We feel that we have made great progress in our efforts to place our State well forward amongst the forty-eight States of the Union who have expended much more money than we have in free public libraries, and the Ioaning of books to advance the cause of education and raise the standard of civilization, culture and good citizenship wherever these libra­ries and book wagons are established.
As a further demonstration of the importance of the free distribution of good books, and the noticeable improvement in the people who live at inconvenient distances from our country towns, - who give always a joyful welcome to our book wagons,­ I quote the following passages from "The Story of a Book Wagon," written by Mrs. Mary Holland Burchenal, member of the Delaware State Library Commission, whose death we deeply mourn, whose earnest and efficient efforts have been of the greatest aid in advancing the cause of free public libraries in our State: "An investigation made by the Delaware State Library Commission in 1911 revealed to the Commission the fact that the men and women and boys and girls of the very remote country sections have little reading material that will afford them entertainment and recreation and that will act, at the same time, as a mental stimulus and create in them a desire for wider knowledge; that they do desire and do enjoy such reading material when placed in their hands, as is evidenced by the fact that twenty-two (22) out of twenty-six (26) boys and girls read one hundred and three (103) books from a single traveling library placed in a school in a very remote neighborhood; that these people have time for read­ing, especially in the winter and on stormy days, and that they do not have the attraction" of the city to consume their leisure time. To the Commission this condition was an opportunity, and it was in order to take advantage of this opportunity which the rural district afforded, and in order to meet just this, their need, which our system of traveling libraries had not met in many sections, that the Book Wagon of Delaware was evolved and sent out on its initial trip.
"The Commission realized immediately that however good the books it might have to offer, however organized its system might be, however improved its facilities for making these books accessible, all would fail without a good agent fitted for this work. The Commission realized that per­sonality in this case was power; that a fortunate, tactful approach to farmers and farmers' wives and children meant success; that an unfortunate approach meant failure." The Commisison has been most fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Hopkins, Miss Mast, Miss Maloney and Mrs. Schabinger for this purpose, as this extract from one of the quarterly reports will show: "As a result of three years' experience with my book wagon, which has brought me into contact with six hundred (600) families, my faith in it is not based on their expression of appreciation, but on my own convictions. My contact is with the mothers, many of them middle aged, who have little leisure and less inclination for reading, but who are willing for the younger ones to read. These latter are the enthusiastic ones. "A new season is before us, and there will be new people and new experiences, and, I am sure, new friends, and the world will be a bigger, better place in which to live because we have found them."
The statistical report shows that during 1915, a total of 115 trips were made in all three counties, and in 1916 127 trips were made. During 1916, when fuller statistics were kept, 550 house­holds were visited and 11,832 books were borrowed. The char­acter of the books issued shows a wide diversity of interest. Naturally the books which have a story to tell have the widest appeal, but there is also a steady demand for history, travel, biography and books on agriculture and domestic economy. It is hoped that the people in various localities will become sufficiently interested in reading to borrow a traveling library, thus allowing the Com­mission to establish a route in another part of the county.
The traveling libraries, as in years past, have proved very popular. In fact they have been in such demand that for part of the period covered by this report the supply was not sufficient to meet it. This has been remedied for the present. The total number of traveling libraries is now 107, an increase of 12 over the number in use in 1914. The number of volumes sent from Dover in these traveling libraries in 1916 was 6,395. These traveling libraries go to schools, Sunday schools, granges and to various groups of persons scattered through all parts of the State. It is impossible to estimate the benefit they may have been to the State, but the members of the Commission feel sure that they have a tremendous effect for good upon the mental and moral qualities of the citizens of the State.
In the month of November, 1916, Miss Anna B. Hayes, of Dover, and Mrs. Charles Prettyman, of Milford, were appointed by Governor Miller to fill vacancies in the Commission.
We beg to call your attention to the Biennial Report of our Librarian, Miss I. V. Culbreth, which gives you full statistics of the work done; and also to the Report of Mr. Thos. W. Wilson, who is, ex-officio, our Secretary and Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, D. W. CORBIT, President.
REPORT OF TREASURER.
OF STATE FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS FUND. 1915.
Respectfully submitted, I. V. CULBRETH, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
The Librarian submits the following report for the year 1915-1916:
In 1915 the Legislature increased the appropriation of the State Library Commission, making it possible to add to the number of traveling libraries and to extend the service of the book wagons.
ACCESSIONS.
In the two years 2,325 volumes were purchased and six (6) were added by gift. These books were accessioned, classified, catalogued and arranged for book wagons, for the open shelf col­lection and in fixed groups for traveling libraries.
BOOK WAGONS.
1916 closed the fifth year of work with the book wagons, and in no respect has the interest of the patrons lessened. On each trip the "Book Lady" is welcomed, and the books gladly­ and in many cases thankfully-received.
That the work has proved a great success in every respect is due undoubtedly in a large measure to the faithful and untiring interest of those in charge of this branch of the work. In New Castle county there are three routes, averaging about twenty-five miles each, which are in charge of Miss Ethelwyn J. Maloney, of Townsend. Kent county has seven routes of about twenty-five miles each, in charge of Mrs. William Schabinger, Felton; Miss L. B. Mast, Dover, and Mrs. R. W. Slaughter, of Clayton. In Sussex county Miss Mary L. Hopkins, Seaford, has charge of five routes covering a large territory.
In 1916 these book wagons made 127 trips, 550 households were visited and 11,832 books were loaned. Surely the book wagon must carry something of pleasure and something of profit to many of the isolated homes on rural routes.
TRAVELING LIBRARIES.
To many of the rural schools, and indeed to a number of high schools, a traveling library seems to have become-if not quite a necessity-a welcome visitor, and by many of the teachers they are applied for as regularly as school opens.
In 1915, fifteen (15) new libraries were added to the col­lection, making a total of 107 traveling libraries. These libraries were loaned 143 times, and the number of volumes sent was 7,158. There is no way of giving the exact circulation, as a book taken out by one person is often read by several members of the same family. In 1916 the Commission received 464 requests for books; of this number 125 were for traveling libraries, and 6,395 volumes were sent from the office of the State Library Commission. These numbers include nine traveling libraries placed in schools in Sussex county by Miss Hopkins. Other organizations than day schools and Sunday schools using the traveling libraries in the past two years include the following: New Century Club, Georgetown; New Century Club, Laurel; Elizabeth Jefferson Club, Frankford; Pickwick Club, Kentoan; Boys' and Girls' Club, Delmar; Bays' and Girls' Club, Milford; Krebs Pigment and Chemical Works, Newport; Mil­ford Grange, Woodside Lodge, Rehoboth Free Library and asso­ciations at Cheswold and Hartly. Books were loaned to the Twentieth Century Club of Smyrna, to Sorosis of Seaford, and to a number of teachers and to others pursuing special lines of study.
During the past two years nine families from the surround­ing country, but not within reach of the book wagon, have come to the office of the Commission for books.
Subscriptions to Christian Herald, Technical World and the Saturday Evening Post were renewed for the Keepers of the six Life Saving Stations on the Delaware coast, and the A. L. A. Booklist was sent to two of the free libraries in the State
At different times during the past two years a number of somewhat worn books were sent to the Marine Hospital at Lewes, and to the Workhouse, Wilmington. Books were also sent to the State College for Colored Students, to be used in connection with the seven traveling libraries of which the col­lege has the care and management in circulating them among !the colored schools in the State.
Reports from four of the free libraries in the State are appended.
There are other free libraries and reading rooms in different parts of the State which are doing an untold amount of good and earnest work. One of the most interesting libraries is Mrs. E. M. Brown's club for boys and girls in Milford, and a report of Mrs. Brown's work is given elsewhere.
Good Book Week, from December 4 to 9, 1916, was ob­served by advertising in newspapers and by sending book lists and posters to libraries in the State, to teachers and to others interested in good reading for children.
During the session of the Teachers' Institute in Dover, in November last, the State Library Commission Circular of In­formation and other printed matter were distributed, and an invitation was extended to teachers and visitors to visit the office of the Commission.
In May 1916 the Commission sent an exhibit of maps, photographs of book wagons, traveling- libraries. etc., to the New York Biennial of the Federation of Women's Clubs.
At the conference of the American Library Association and League of Library Commissions at Asbury Park in June 1916, the State Library Commission of Delaware was repre­sented by Miss Hopkins, Miss Maloney and Mr. Bailey.
Respectfully submitted, I. V. CULBRETH, Librarian.
REPORT OF TREASURER
OF THE STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION FOR TWO YEARS.
1915-1916
The amount of the appropriation for the years 1915 and 1916 in the hands of the State Treasurer, subject to warrants signed by President and Secretary of the Commission, was $3,200.
1915 Librarian's Salary
Books
Postage, Stationery.
Repairs of Books
Repairs of Boxes, New Cases, etc.
Supplies
Coal
Expenses
Book Wagon
1916 Librarian's Salary
Books
Postage, Stationery
Repairs of Books
Repairs of Boxes, New Cases, etc
Supplies
Coal
Expenses
­Automobile
Typewriter
Book Wagon
Respectfully submitted, T. W. WILSON, Treasurer.
II At a meeting of the State Library Commission on September 21, 1916, the following resolution of respect was adopted and ordered sent to the family of the late George H. Murray, Esq.: RESOLUTION OF RESPECT. In the death of George H. Murray, Esq., the members of the Delaware State Library Commission hereby place on record their sense of appreciation of his service to the State in his many lines of activity, and lament the loss which they feel in his death. At a meeting of the State Library Commission on September 21, 1916, the following resolutions of respect were adopted and ordered sent to the family of the late Mrs. Caleb E. Burchenal:
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT. It is with a deep sense of loss that the Delaware State Library Commission records the death of Mrs. Caleb E. Burchenal in Milford, July 26, 1916. As a member of the Commission during the past nine years, she showed a keen interest in all branches of its work, and especially showed a deep sympathy with the needs of the rural population of the State. The deductions which she drew from the book survey of the State made in 1912 paved the way for the establishment of the book-wagon routes. Her efforts in making this part of the work of the Commission a success has been of inestimable service to the State. Wise in counsel, generous in placing her time and talents at the service of the Commission, and thorough in the discharge of matters placed in her care, the members of the Commission feel that in her departure the State has lost an earnest and efficient woman, and the members of this Commission a sympathetic co-worker.
BOYS' AND GIRLS' BOOK CLUB OF MILFORD. DELAWARE. This free library was opened in 1913, at the home of Mrs. Mary A. Brown, who supplies the books and is librarian. It started with a membership of thirty, and now has over four hundred young people enrolled, ranging in age from ten to twenty-­two years. There are nine hundred books on the shelves, and the average number of books read each week is two hundred. In addition to the books supplied yearly by the librarian, the State Library Com­mission of Delaware, through a system known as the Traveling Library, loans, in the course of a year several cases of books, with from thirty to fifty books in a case. The library is open every day, except Sunday, from 7 A. M. until 10 P. M. As the club is conveniently situated with reference to the cen­tral school building, the boys and girls frequent the room very generally every day for the enjoyment of magazine, story-telling, , pictures and music. When the librarian is not present, the members select their books, cover them with manila paper and sign for them. A book is seldom lost. Books are usually returned within the limit of two weeks, though there are no fines for tardiness. The young people conduct themselves with propriety, remem­bering that their club has been made a feature of a private home. Milford, Delaware, April, 1916.
DELAWARE LIBRARIES. DOVER
The Dover Library contains about 5,000 volumes, and is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 3 to 5 o'clock in the afternoon and from 7 to 8.45 in the evening. During 1915 and 1916 two hundred and one (201) member­ship cards were issued, making a total of 1,738 since the library was made free and public in 1902. As a matter of fact, this number falls far short of the actual number of borrowers, because a membership card may be used by all the members of the family. Nine hundred and ten volumes have been added, of which 167 were gifts; 35,828 books were borrowed, of which 13,011 were juvenile, 2:1,103 fiction, 12,010 juvenile fiction, 1,714 non-fiction, 1,001 juvenile non-fiction. The periodicals, 58 of which are on the tables in the reading rooms, prove a. strong attraction, 7,601 having been loaned in the two years. The total expenses of the Library are about $1,000 a year. Four of our local papers and one Wilmington paper are donated. The Ladies' Library Club gave 47 new books and a copy of a scene from Abbey's beautiful picture, "Quest of the Holy Grail." Two useful gifts were a picture frame with adjustable hack, and a bulletin board made by the pupils in the manual training department of our public schools.
Respectfully submitted, L. BEATRICE MAST, MARY E. FULTON, Librarians.

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SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT OF The State Library Commission FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE 1915==1916
SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT OF The State Library Commission FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE 1915==1916
THE STATE SENTINEL
STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION MEMBERS.
MRS. JAMES W. ANTHONY, SMYRNA.
A. L. BAILEY, WILMINGTON.
HENRY P. CANNON, BRIDGEVILLE.
DANIEL W. CORBIT, ODESSA.
MISS ANNA B. HAYES, DOVER.
MRS. CHARLES R. MILLER, Red Oak Road, WILMINGTON.
MISS MARGARET ORR, LEWES.
MRS. CHARLES PRETTYMAN, MILFORD.
MRS. HENRY RIDGELY, DOVER.
OFFICERS.
DANIEL W. CORBIT, President.
T. W. WILSON, Secretary.
MISS IDA V. CULBRETH, Librarian.
All correspondence relating to the work of the Commission should be addressed to The State Library Commission, Dover, Delaware.
DELAWARE STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT 1915-1916
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware, in General Assembly met: The State Library Commission begs leave to submit the fol­lowing biennial report: During the past two years the work of the Commission has been substantially aided by the additional annual income granted us by the last Legislature. We feel that we have made great progress in our efforts to place our State well forward amongst the forty-eight States of the Union who have expended much more money than we have in free public libraries, and the Ioaning of books to advance the cause of education and raise the standard of civilization, culture and good citizenship wherever these libra­ries and book wagons are established.
As a further demonstration of the importance of the free distribution of good books, and the noticeable improvement in the people who live at inconvenient distances from our country towns, - who give always a joyful welcome to our book wagons,­ I quote the following passages from "The Story of a Book Wagon," written by Mrs. Mary Holland Burchenal, member of the Delaware State Library Commission, whose death we deeply mourn, whose earnest and efficient efforts have been of the greatest aid in advancing the cause of free public libraries in our State: "An investigation made by the Delaware State Library Commission in 1911 revealed to the Commission the fact that the men and women and boys and girls of the very remote country sections have little reading material that will afford them entertainment and recreation and that will act, at the same time, as a mental stimulus and create in them a desire for wider knowledge; that they do desire and do enjoy such reading material when placed in their hands, as is evidenced by the fact that twenty-two (22) out of twenty-six (26) boys and girls read one hundred and three (103) books from a single traveling library placed in a school in a very remote neighborhood; that these people have time for read­ing, especially in the winter and on stormy days, and that they do not have the attraction" of the city to consume their leisure time. To the Commission this condition was an opportunity, and it was in order to take advantage of this opportunity which the rural district afforded, and in order to meet just this, their need, which our system of traveling libraries had not met in many sections, that the Book Wagon of Delaware was evolved and sent out on its initial trip.
"The Commission realized immediately that however good the books it might have to offer, however organized its system might be, however improved its facilities for making these books accessible, all would fail without a good agent fitted for this work. The Commission realized that per­sonality in this case was power; that a fortunate, tactful approach to farmers and farmers' wives and children meant success; that an unfortunate approach meant failure." The Commisison has been most fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Hopkins, Miss Mast, Miss Maloney and Mrs. Schabinger for this purpose, as this extract from one of the quarterly reports will show: "As a result of three years' experience with my book wagon, which has brought me into contact with six hundred (600) families, my faith in it is not based on their expression of appreciation, but on my own convictions. My contact is with the mothers, many of them middle aged, who have little leisure and less inclination for reading, but who are willing for the younger ones to read. These latter are the enthusiastic ones. "A new season is before us, and there will be new people and new experiences, and, I am sure, new friends, and the world will be a bigger, better place in which to live because we have found them."
The statistical report shows that during 1915, a total of 115 trips were made in all three counties, and in 1916 127 trips were made. During 1916, when fuller statistics were kept, 550 house­holds were visited and 11,832 books were borrowed. The char­acter of the books issued shows a wide diversity of interest. Naturally the books which have a story to tell have the widest appeal, but there is also a steady demand for history, travel, biography and books on agriculture and domestic economy. It is hoped that the people in various localities will become sufficiently interested in reading to borrow a traveling library, thus allowing the Com­mission to establish a route in another part of the county.
The traveling libraries, as in years past, have proved very popular. In fact they have been in such demand that for part of the period covered by this report the supply was not sufficient to meet it. This has been remedied for the present. The total number of traveling libraries is now 107, an increase of 12 over the number in use in 1914. The number of volumes sent from Dover in these traveling libraries in 1916 was 6,395. These traveling libraries go to schools, Sunday schools, granges and to various groups of persons scattered through all parts of the State. It is impossible to estimate the benefit they may have been to the State, but the members of the Commission feel sure that they have a tremendous effect for good upon the mental and moral qualities of the citizens of the State.
In the month of November, 1916, Miss Anna B. Hayes, of Dover, and Mrs. Charles Prettyman, of Milford, were appointed by Governor Miller to fill vacancies in the Commission.
We beg to call your attention to the Biennial Report of our Librarian, Miss I. V. Culbreth, which gives you full statistics of the work done; and also to the Report of Mr. Thos. W. Wilson, who is, ex-officio, our Secretary and Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, D. W. CORBIT, President.
REPORT OF TREASURER.
OF STATE FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS FUND. 1915.
Respectfully submitted, I. V. CULBRETH, Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
The Librarian submits the following report for the year 1915-1916:
In 1915 the Legislature increased the appropriation of the State Library Commission, making it possible to add to the number of traveling libraries and to extend the service of the book wagons.
ACCESSIONS.
In the two years 2,325 volumes were purchased and six (6) were added by gift. These books were accessioned, classified, catalogued and arranged for book wagons, for the open shelf col­lection and in fixed groups for traveling libraries.
BOOK WAGONS.
1916 closed the fifth year of work with the book wagons, and in no respect has the interest of the patrons lessened. On each trip the "Book Lady" is welcomed, and the books gladly­ and in many cases thankfully-received.
That the work has proved a great success in every respect is due undoubtedly in a large measure to the faithful and untiring interest of those in charge of this branch of the work. In New Castle county there are three routes, averaging about twenty-five miles each, which are in charge of Miss Ethelwyn J. Maloney, of Townsend. Kent county has seven routes of about twenty-five miles each, in charge of Mrs. William Schabinger, Felton; Miss L. B. Mast, Dover, and Mrs. R. W. Slaughter, of Clayton. In Sussex county Miss Mary L. Hopkins, Seaford, has charge of five routes covering a large territory.
In 1916 these book wagons made 127 trips, 550 households were visited and 11,832 books were loaned. Surely the book wagon must carry something of pleasure and something of profit to many of the isolated homes on rural routes.
TRAVELING LIBRARIES.
To many of the rural schools, and indeed to a number of high schools, a traveling library seems to have become-if not quite a necessity-a welcome visitor, and by many of the teachers they are applied for as regularly as school opens.
In 1915, fifteen (15) new libraries were added to the col­lection, making a total of 107 traveling libraries. These libraries were loaned 143 times, and the number of volumes sent was 7,158. There is no way of giving the exact circulation, as a book taken out by one person is often read by several members of the same family. In 1916 the Commission received 464 requests for books; of this number 125 were for traveling libraries, and 6,395 volumes were sent from the office of the State Library Commission. These numbers include nine traveling libraries placed in schools in Sussex county by Miss Hopkins. Other organizations than day schools and Sunday schools using the traveling libraries in the past two years include the following: New Century Club, Georgetown; New Century Club, Laurel; Elizabeth Jefferson Club, Frankford; Pickwick Club, Kentoan; Boys' and Girls' Club, Delmar; Bays' and Girls' Club, Milford; Krebs Pigment and Chemical Works, Newport; Mil­ford Grange, Woodside Lodge, Rehoboth Free Library and asso­ciations at Cheswold and Hartly. Books were loaned to the Twentieth Century Club of Smyrna, to Sorosis of Seaford, and to a number of teachers and to others pursuing special lines of study.
During the past two years nine families from the surround­ing country, but not within reach of the book wagon, have come to the office of the Commission for books.
Subscriptions to Christian Herald, Technical World and the Saturday Evening Post were renewed for the Keepers of the six Life Saving Stations on the Delaware coast, and the A. L. A. Booklist was sent to two of the free libraries in the State
At different times during the past two years a number of somewhat worn books were sent to the Marine Hospital at Lewes, and to the Workhouse, Wilmington. Books were also sent to the State College for Colored Students, to be used in connection with the seven traveling libraries of which the col­lege has the care and management in circulating them among !the colored schools in the State.
Reports from four of the free libraries in the State are appended.
There are other free libraries and reading rooms in different parts of the State which are doing an untold amount of good and earnest work. One of the most interesting libraries is Mrs. E. M. Brown's club for boys and girls in Milford, and a report of Mrs. Brown's work is given elsewhere.
Good Book Week, from December 4 to 9, 1916, was ob­served by advertising in newspapers and by sending book lists and posters to libraries in the State, to teachers and to others interested in good reading for children.
During the session of the Teachers' Institute in Dover, in November last, the State Library Commission Circular of In­formation and other printed matter were distributed, and an invitation was extended to teachers and visitors to visit the office of the Commission.
In May 1916 the Commission sent an exhibit of maps, photographs of book wagons, traveling- libraries. etc., to the New York Biennial of the Federation of Women's Clubs.
At the conference of the American Library Association and League of Library Commissions at Asbury Park in June 1916, the State Library Commission of Delaware was repre­sented by Miss Hopkins, Miss Maloney and Mr. Bailey.
Respectfully submitted, I. V. CULBRETH, Librarian.
REPORT OF TREASURER
OF THE STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION FOR TWO YEARS.
1915-1916
The amount of the appropriation for the years 1915 and 1916 in the hands of the State Treasurer, subject to warrants signed by President and Secretary of the Commission, was $3,200.
1915 Librarian's Salary
Books
Postage, Stationery.
Repairs of Books
Repairs of Boxes, New Cases, etc.
Supplies
Coal
Expenses
Book Wagon
1916 Librarian's Salary
Books
Postage, Stationery
Repairs of Books
Repairs of Boxes, New Cases, etc
Supplies
Coal
Expenses
­Automobile
Typewriter
Book Wagon
Respectfully submitted, T. W. WILSON, Treasurer.
II At a meeting of the State Library Commission on September 21, 1916, the following resolution of respect was adopted and ordered sent to the family of the late George H. Murray, Esq.: RESOLUTION OF RESPECT. In the death of George H. Murray, Esq., the members of the Delaware State Library Commission hereby place on record their sense of appreciation of his service to the State in his many lines of activity, and lament the loss which they feel in his death. At a meeting of the State Library Commission on September 21, 1916, the following resolutions of respect were adopted and ordered sent to the family of the late Mrs. Caleb E. Burchenal:
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT. It is with a deep sense of loss that the Delaware State Library Commission records the death of Mrs. Caleb E. Burchenal in Milford, July 26, 1916. As a member of the Commission during the past nine years, she showed a keen interest in all branches of its work, and especially showed a deep sympathy with the needs of the rural population of the State. The deductions which she drew from the book survey of the State made in 1912 paved the way for the establishment of the book-wagon routes. Her efforts in making this part of the work of the Commission a success has been of inestimable service to the State. Wise in counsel, generous in placing her time and talents at the service of the Commission, and thorough in the discharge of matters placed in her care, the members of the Commission feel that in her departure the State has lost an earnest and efficient woman, and the members of this Commission a sympathetic co-worker.
BOYS' AND GIRLS' BOOK CLUB OF MILFORD. DELAWARE. This free library was opened in 1913, at the home of Mrs. Mary A. Brown, who supplies the books and is librarian. It started with a membership of thirty, and now has over four hundred young people enrolled, ranging in age from ten to twenty-­two years. There are nine hundred books on the shelves, and the average number of books read each week is two hundred. In addition to the books supplied yearly by the librarian, the State Library Com­mission of Delaware, through a system known as the Traveling Library, loans, in the course of a year several cases of books, with from thirty to fifty books in a case. The library is open every day, except Sunday, from 7 A. M. until 10 P. M. As the club is conveniently situated with reference to the cen­tral school building, the boys and girls frequent the room very generally every day for the enjoyment of magazine, story-telling, , pictures and music. When the librarian is not present, the members select their books, cover them with manila paper and sign for them. A book is seldom lost. Books are usually returned within the limit of two weeks, though there are no fines for tardiness. The young people conduct themselves with propriety, remem­bering that their club has been made a feature of a private home. Milford, Delaware, April, 1916.
DELAWARE LIBRARIES. DOVER
The Dover Library contains about 5,000 volumes, and is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 3 to 5 o'clock in the afternoon and from 7 to 8.45 in the evening. During 1915 and 1916 two hundred and one (201) member­ship cards were issued, making a total of 1,738 since the library was made free and public in 1902. As a matter of fact, this number falls far short of the actual number of borrowers, because a membership card may be used by all the members of the family. Nine hundred and ten volumes have been added, of which 167 were gifts; 35,828 books were borrowed, of which 13,011 were juvenile, 2:1,103 fiction, 12,010 juvenile fiction, 1,714 non-fiction, 1,001 juvenile non-fiction. The periodicals, 58 of which are on the tables in the reading rooms, prove a. strong attraction, 7,601 having been loaned in the two years. The total expenses of the Library are about $1,000 a year. Four of our local papers and one Wilmington paper are donated. The Ladies' Library Club gave 47 new books and a copy of a scene from Abbey's beautiful picture, "Quest of the Holy Grail." Two useful gifts were a picture frame with adjustable hack, and a bulletin board made by the pupils in the manual training department of our public schools.
Respectfully submitted, L. BEATRICE MAST, MARY E. FULTON, Librarians.